View gallery Every year our US-based editors team up with Lonely Planet’s expert authors to compile a list of US destinations that are prime for the next year. Best in Travel 2013 already covered two places we think the world should be looking at – San Francisco and the Gulf…

Ben Thal, Sculptor 1932- Edmonds, Washington When semi-retired Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon, Ben Thal, puts down his scalpel and picks up his carving knife, fantastic wind-powered whirligigs become a sight for your eyes. With over 100 hours going into each piece, and reluctant to sell his masterpieces, Ben…